“On our way back from Gjirokastra, we honored the memory of those who lost their lives & suffered inhuman treatment in Tepelena’s internment camp”, wrote Hohmann on Twitter.

She emphasized that dealing with the communist past & its atrocities will always be vital for Albania in building a democratic & prosperous society.

“The upkeep of landmarks such as the Tepelena internment camp is of great importance. They are tangible remnants of the communist era and should be preserved for future generations”, wrote Hohmann.

Hohmann was earlier in Gjirokastra where she visited the Regional Labor Office which she described as a consolidated institution and an example of cooperation between the EU and the Albanian government to help citizens match their skills with local needs and find suitable jobs.

Likewise, in the EU corner of the city, Ambassador Christiane Hohmann also met with young representatives from the city’s Youth Council./p.s./

“On the World Press Freedom Day, it is important to remember that press freedom is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. Without free and independent media, democracy cannot thrive,” EU Ambassador said via the social media.

Hohmann expressed solidarity with journalists in Albania and all over the world as they defend high standards of quality journalism.

“Today, we stand in solidarity with journalists in Albania and around the world who day by day defend the highest standards of quality journalism and hold those in power accountable,” Ambassador Hohmann said.

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The EU Ambassador Christiane Hohmann stated that the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime remains the key to Albania’s advancement on its path toward the EU accession.

Hohmann affirmed the EU support for an independent and effective SPAK.

“Good exchange with the new SPAK Chief Special Prosecutor Altin Dumani. The EUfully supports an independent and effective SPAK. The fight against high-level corruption and organised crime remains the key to Albania’s advancement on its path toward EU accession,” the EU Ambassador to Albania Christiane Hohmann said via a post on the social media.

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Hohmann said that in the past four months in Albania she has had the chance to meet with many young Albanians who have the same potential as their peers in the EU.

“I have been in Albania for four months and had the chance to meet with many young Albanians. They have the same potential as their peers in the EU,” the EU Ambassador said via the social media.

Hohmann pledged EU’s continued support for  Albanian youth to build a brighter future in their country.

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“Tirana is almost ready for the EU–Western Balkans Summit, the first-ever to take place in the region. This is an opportunity to reconfirm the key importance of strategic partnership between the EU & the the WB, a region with a clear EU perspective”, she wrote on Twitter.

Summit agenda

06/12/2022 10:15

Arrivals and official welcome

11:00

Exchange of views

11:45

Family photo

12:15 p.m

Plenary session and working lunch

14:30

Press conference

/p.s./

Expressing gratitude for the continued EC and EU support for Albania on its European integration path, President Begaj confirmed that Albania’s membership with the European Union remains a strategic priority for the country and a consistent objective broadly supported by all local institutional, political and social factors.

The head of state welcomed the findings of the Report by the European Commission’s bodies, the progress and issues highlighted in the document.

He stated that the Report should serve as a roadmap for the Assembly of Albania, the government and all the relevant institutions tasked with taking reforms agenda forward.

President Begaj called on all state institutions for accountability and transparency, involvement of all institutional, political and social stakeholders, considering integration a primary national objective and interest.

“A broad cross-party consensus on the EU integration agenda is necessary for the progress of the reforms and the efforts to deliver on all the issues raised in the Report,” Begaj stated.

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Speaking to reporters from Durrës, Hohmann emphasized that, “This process will not be easy; it will take time; it will take work, however, let me assure you of one thing, that we, the EU, will stand by you in this process to follow it to its conclusion”.

“Municipalities will also play their important role, it is important to move forward together,” said Hohmann.

Ambassador Hohmann and Mayor of Durrës Emiriana Sako inaugurated today creche no. 3, which was damaged by the earthquake of November 26, 2019 and was rebuilt with EU funds.

“This is the materialization of all that work that has been done thanks to EU funds and thanks to the process in which Albania is located”, said Ambassador Hohmann.

Asked when the school reconstruction process in Durrës will be completed, Hohmann said that, “The reconstruction process requires its own time, as it includes several stages from the design process, various permits, project implementation”. /r.e/p.s./

Hohmann said that during the meeting they discussed on the new and important phase of Albania’s EU membership process following opening of the membership talks.

“Pleased to meet Prime Minister Edi Rama for our first exchange about the important new phase in Albania’s EU accession process with the opening of accession talks. EU will support Albania in every step of the way”.

Hohmann also met the European champion in the 3000 meters steeplechase Luiza Gega.

“Honoured to have the opportunity to also meet European champion Luiza Gega during her award ceremony. A shining example of what Albanians can achieve in Europe with dedication and hard work”, said Hohmann./p.s./